Block 23 in Oklahoma City: Southern-Style Small Plates in Midtown

Block 23 is a neighborhood restaurant in Midtown Oklahoma City that serves refined Southern cuisine in a casual, wood-lined dining room. The menu moves between traditional Oklahoma fare and contemporary interpretations of regional classics, with a kitchen willing to smoke, braise, and preserve. It occupies the middle ground between casual crossover dining and fine dining, attracting both weeknight diners and special-occasion crowds.

What Block 23 actually is

Block 23 operates as a full-service restaurant with a liquor license and wine program. The dining room seats roughly 60 people across tables and a small bar, with warm lighting and exposed brick that nods to the building's Midtown warehouse roots. Service is attentive but not formal. The space works equally well for a solo dinner at the bar or a six-person table. Unlike the heavy, meat-forward positioning of some Oklahoma restaurants, Block 23 balances protein-centered plates with vegetable-forward sides and house-made condiments that anchor its identity.

Signature dishes and pricing

Entrees range from $18 to $36, with most falling between $22 and $28. Starters sit between $8 and $16. The menu rotates seasonally, so specific dishes change, but the restaurant consistently features smoked and cured proteins. House-made charcuterie, smoked chicken, and brined pork preparations appear regularly. Sides often highlight local and seasonal produce: roasted root vegetables, greens, and grains prepared with rendered fat or house vinaigrettes. The wine list includes selections from small producers and recognizable bottles, with by-the-glass pours running $8 to $14. The bar program includes cocktails built around bourbon and rye, priced at $12 to $14 per drink.

How it compares to other Midtown and nearby options

The Loaded Bowl, also in Midtown, focuses on grain bowls and health-conscious builds; Block 23 is heavier on technique and smoking. Pearl Midtown specializes in contemporary American with pasta and seafood emphasis; Block 23 leans into preservation and Southern tradition. Ted's Cafe Escondido, nearby on Classen, centers on Mexican seafood; Block 23 is meat and vegetable-driven without that regional lens. For refined casual dining at similar price points, Cattlemen's Steakhouse in nearby Stockyard City offers larger cuts and a more formal bar scene, while Block 23 keeps the energy approachable and the portions moderate.

Who Block 23 suits and who it does not

Block 23 works for diners seeking technical cooking and strong ingredients without a white-tablecloth or tasting-menu commitment. It suits couples and groups who want to linger and talk without feeling rushed. It appeals to people interested in smoked meats and Southern preservation techniques who also want vegetables treated seriously. It does not suit diners seeking quick table turns or large portion sizes; Block 23 is paced for the meal itself. It is not a late-night spot, and it is not primarily set up for large parties above eight people without advance notice.

What a first visit involves

Arrive and expect to wait 10 to 15 minutes on a Friday or Saturday without a reservation, though the bar accommodates walk-ins. The menu is not overly long, which means you can read it without analysis paralysis. Start with a cured meat or vegetable starter while you decide on an entree. Ask the server about what is in heavy rotation; certain preparations (like smoked chicken or brined pork) appear often, while specific vegetables and grains follow seasons. Wine and cocktail pairing suggestions from the bar staff are typically informed and not aggressive. Plan for a meal lasting 90 minutes to two hours.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Block 23 is open for dinner only, typically Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hours shift seasonally; verify current operating times before visiting. The restaurant sits on a Midtown street with free, on-street parking that is usually available within a block. Street parking can fill quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings, but a nearby municipal lot provides overflow. The space is accessible by car and is not transit-dependent, though Midtown's walkability means nearby parking is rarely a frustration.

Block 23 stands out in Oklahoma City's restaurant landscape because it executes Southern and preservation-based cooking at a level that does not demand formal dress or an expense account, making skilled, ingredient-focused cooking available to regular diners rather than occasion-only customers.